MSR - FreeLite 2

Zpacks Plex? Hmg mid? Around 450g.  X-mids are less primitive and weight a bit more.  These tents all use trekking poles and will be more stable than a freestanding or semi freestanding tent in this weight category.  I used a MSR freelite 2 on a bike trip which is very similar to the Nemo hornet.  It was fine until it was windy then it just blew flat instantly so I don't think it reliable for mountains..

I definitely struggled to get a proper pitch. It's easier with a trekking pole or adjustable carbon pole (the SMD pole is absolutely not the right choice it's too flimsy). I've had to reattach the front guyline, it tore off and the zippers seem pretty flimsy but that's par for the course with tents like this.  The bathtub invariably lies flat at the back of the tent so I imagine you could get some water in there if it really poured but maybe that's to do with pitch.  It's shape gives you some extra room but in practice it's fairly negligible because the back and side walls are sloped more than a typical mid. I thought it would be good for camping with a dog but the back wall is so sloped that there isn't really a lot of space for my medium sized dog (she pushes the back wall up with her back even curled in a ball). I don't think it's bad but by the time you include all the stakes it needs, and add up all the downsides I tend to just take my freelite (it only weighs a bit more and is way more comfortable/drier) or a dyneema mid.

Ah, shame! I’m 5ft 6in and would expect to be able to sit up in one of those (at least cross legged in the middle) for cooking in the porch etc. Did you try without the sleeping mat inflated - that looks a good couple inches? Glad the rest of the tent was roomy enough. Did you take one dog or two? Impressive feast for dinner! I bet the Scottish cheddar weighed more than the tent 😉 Edit to add: I have the original MSR FreeLite 2P. 3 season, but have used in winter in Scotland (and other mountainous parts of UK). Did get covered in a snowdrift once, very cosy, and luckily has 2 doors so could still get out in the morning! Always wondered if I should get a proper 4 season. If I do, will probably go for MSR Access

I have an REI half dome 2 for car camping and it is really bomb. I use MSR Freelyte2 for backpacking.

I have the MRS Freelyte 2 and it is more like 1.75 person. It's great for me and the dog and if my SO and I were not small people it would be untenable. I can't imagine 2 actual men sharing this tent. Otherwise it has performed well. Used last year to thru hike the TRT. We had an absolute downpour during that trip, and it worked great. I live in the PNW and have carried it around all season this season. I find it is a tad fragile and use some Tyvek. The dog has a CFC pad and my pack to walk and lay on in the tent so his nails haven't been an issue. I'd say if you want a true 2 person tent this isn't quite it. Otherwise I would buy this tent over again it's a good balance for me between weight and comfort.

I have a 3P one door big Agnes that is plenty big but only has one door. It’s light and holds two wide sleeping mats. I’ve had it for at least ten years and thanks to the footprint it is still in great shape. I wish it had a second door though. I have an MSR semi free standing 2P Freelite. It has two doors and packs super light and pretty small. It’s luxurious for one person but two would be a little tight. With two it needs standard width sleeping pads. For a slight weight penalty I have a Marmot lightweight 2P two door. It’s the most comfortable but a bit heavier. Maybe the limelight? The big Agnes or the Limelight are my preferred with a partner and the MSR when solo or when partnered for long trips. If I were to buy new now and only have one, I’d probably do the Marmot Super Alloy semi free standing (similar to the MSR but a bit more room I think) or a Big Agnes two door lightweight model like the Tiger Wall or Copper Spur. Which of these last two is lighter.

I do a few national trails in the Uk, and fit them in when I can. That might mean a train after work, and starting till 8pm or later, last one I started walking at 9:30pm and by nearly midnight had covered 8-miles of mostly canal path. I went past a few decent spots early on then nothing for ages. Eventually found a crappy pitch with no decent pegging, I set off again at 07:00. Wouldn’t have been an issue in my free standing tent, sadly I took a single hoop, and thank goodness it was dry. It certainly allows more freedom in pitch choice. Which the situations you describe might well occur. Have even used the inner indoors just to deter flies/midges. Currently I’m replacing my tent. Hubba Hubba Bike pack 1 is preferred, or possibly msr freelit.

Yes the Freelite is semi, the Hubba Hubba is closer to fully free standing. Still needs the odd pen for fly. It’s not perfect. Freelite is 750g, I don’t see a shelter at 150g except maybe a tarp but then that’s a whole different proposition. Sure the Hubba Hubba adds 600g to a tarp/pole based solution. But if comparing it to no bug net there are significant differences in comfort. And we each have different comfort/discomfort levels.

MSR or Big Agnes for backpacking get my vote. Mountain Hardwear also make some nice backpacking tents. Nemo and Marmot would be the next ones I look at. I love my MSR and Hardwear tent. if you want to go ultralight, just stick with a two person and you’re gonna be really snug but totally doable if you’re with a partner. I’m 6 foot three and I have slept in a two person MSR tent with another 6 foot three person. Go with the three person if you want to compromise comfort while in the tent for added weight. Chances are you will be splitting the tent up into two separate packs to offset the total weight or you’ll carry it yourself and have the other person carry other stuff to equal out the weight. It may not seem like a huge deal, but when your backpacking every little bit counts.

I have an MSR 2 person tent, and it's very lightweight. It was also expensive. I think they do 3 person versions as well (Mutha Hubba?).

MSR makes a 1p that is under 2 lbs and the poles are super small. I have a MSR 2p now as I don't care about weight. I used the 1p on my first outing and it was very awesome. MSR Freelite https://cascadedesigns.com/products/freelite-1-person-ultralight-backpacking-tent?_pos=3&_fid=c788cde60&_ss=c

My only comment on Big Agnes in my experience is that the tents are fragile because they are so ultralight. I’ve had my Copper Spur poles snap twice. BA is great with repairing stuff but it’s not great when you’re in the back country and you’ve got to hold everything together with duck tape just to make it through the rest of the trip. My MSR on the other hand, while a little heavier, seems a lot more substantial while still being a light weight backpacking tent.